Though unplanned, it proved fitting that the outgoing commander of West Coast naval operations included a salute to CanadaB次元官网网址檚 flagship submarine in his goodbyes.
Rear-Admiral Nigel Greenwood handed over command of Maritime Forces Pacific and Joint Task Force Pacific to Rear-Admiral Bill Truelove at CFB Esquimalt on Monday.
B次元官网网址淪uch a pleasure to see Victoria sailing out of this harbour on cue, and thatB次元官网网址檚 the way itB次元官网网址檚 going to happen from here on in,B次元官网网址� Greenwood told invited guests.
After five years in the shop, HMCS Victoria returned to sea early last year, under GreenwoodB次元官网网址檚 watch. On Monday, he watched it cut smoothly towards the Strait of Juan de Fuca, another step towards full operational status.
B次元官网网址淪heB次元官网网址檚 going to give lie to all those passive doubters who thought we couldnB次元官网网址檛 do it. As a navy, weB次元官网网址檒l prove them wrong, again and again. To my mind, Victoria represents our navy B次元官网网址� small and powerful, deployable and potent B次元官网网址� and thatB次元官网网址檚 the kind of reputation we have around the world here.B次元官网网址�
Greenwood also hinted at the difficulty in retiring after a fulfilling 37-year naval career. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e seen other admirals pass this podium before in a similar circumstance. ThereB次元官网网址檚 one thing they donB次元官网网址檛 tell you about swallowing the anchor, it tends to get stuck in your throat.B次元官网网址�
Truelove, a Nova Scotia native, is taking on a role that involves enormous responsibility. As commander of Maritime Forces Pacific, he will be in control of Canadian maritime forces in the Pacific Ocean. As commander of Joint Task Force Pacific, he can give the order to deploy military personnel to domestic emergencies in B.C.
He will also be responsible for search-and-rescue response in B.C. and the Yukon, and for the Cadet organization in B.C.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 not sure how it could feel any better than this,B次元官网网址� Truelove said, as Greenwood, Vice-Admiral Paul Maddison, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; and Lt.-Gen. Walter Semianiw, commander of Canada Command, looked on.
Truelove, who joined the military in 1981, brings a wealth of experience to the position. He recently returned from a nine-month deployment in Afghanistan.
Truelove has served on the West Coast before, as commanding officer of HMCS Regina, from 2001 to 2003, and the Naval Officer Training Centre until 2004.
B次元官网网址淚 am excited to be taking the helm as we move through the next phase of transformation across the Canadian Forces, while also navigating a complex period of fleet renewal,B次元官网网址� he said, B次元官网网址渁nd at the same time, ensuring that this formation remains as it always has B次元官网网址� B次元官网网址榬eady aye readyB次元官网网址� to respond when called upon by our nation.B次元官网网址�
emccracken@vicnews.com
